A lingering and persistent fever was the first clue that Taylor’s family had that something just wasn’t quite right with their usually vibrant and fun-loving daughter. Taylor, 5, from Country Club Hills, was ultimately diagnosed with leukemia.

“Right when she was diagnosed it was scary for her and our family because we didn’t know what to expect,” said Cheryl, Taylor’s mom.

Working with her medical team at Lurie, Taylor began treatment and soon the family focus was fully directed on helping Taylor get through it all. While treatment was never easy, it did get easier as the family got into a routine and knew what to expect. It was during one of her hospital visits that the family learned about Make-A-Wish.

“In that moment of diagnosis, you feel so helpless,” Cheryl said. “Learning about Make-A-Wish and knowing we could be able to help her have this, meant the world to me.”

Though Taylor can be shy when you first meet her, the volunteers helping to discover her wish worked hard to make Taylor feel comfortable. It wasn’t long until she was excitedly telling them exactly what she wanted, to visit princesses!